The Green Bay Packers had high hopes for defensive tackle Jerel Worthy when they drafted him in the second round in 2012. We all did.
He was slow to live up to those expectations during his rookie campaign and now it looks like we may have to wait another full season for Worthy to even get back on the field.
Worthy suffered a knee injury in week 17. That injury was first described as a deep bruise, but true to form for the Packers this season it was actually much worse. Worthy tore his ACL and he had surgery on Jan. 15.
That leaves his return for 2013 in serious jeopardy.
If you’re looking for a realistic comparison, it’s probably tight end Andrew Quarless. He underwent ACL surgery last January and didn’t play at all in 2012.
Of course, everyone wants to look to Adrian Peterson. Peterson tore his ACL in December of 2011 and returned for the Vikings’ 2012 opener (and rushed for 2,000-plus yards). Peterson doesn’t weigh 300 pounds though and his recovery time is certainly the exception, not the rule.
The most likely scenario is Worthy will start the season on the physically unable to perform list, which means he’ll be out at least the first six weeks of the season.
So, that being said, he’s the list of injuries the Packers medical staff boned this season. We’re listing Davon House because he played all season with an injury he actually needed surgery on.
Player | Initial Diagnosis | Actual Injury | Result |
Davon House | separated shoulder | separated shoulder | postseason surgery |
Greg Jennings | hamstring | abdominal tear | in-season surgery |
Nick Perry | knee | knee and wrist | surgery, injured reserve |
Sam Shields | shin | ankle | return to lineup delayed |
Jerel Worthy | knee bruise | torn ACL | postseason surgery |